Core Workouts for Everyone

Core strengthening shouldn’t be limited to doing crunches as well as sit-ups. Although these classic moves should not go missing in your repertoire, there are other abdominal workouts that will really push your core to the limits.

If you want to strengthen your midsection so that you’ll be able to move better, these workouts are worth doing.

Bridging. One of the easiest core workouts that you can do at home is bridging. Bridges don’t just work in strengthening your core but also your back, glutes, hips, and thighs. For this exercise, lie down on the floor with your knees bent and your feet on the floor. Your arms should be at your sides. Engage your core as you push your hips upward until your torso is straight from the knees to the shoulders. Tighten your glutes as you hold this pose for a few counts then release to go back to your first position. Repeat 10 to 15 times.

Plank and reach. Planks are a killer to your abs the longer you hold it but if you want to take it to the next level, adding a reach to your plank will definitely make your workout a whole lot tougher. Go into a plank position where your weight is evenly distributed on your forearms and on the balls of your feet. Engage your core then raise your right hand until it is parallel to the floor. Make sure that your back is straight as you hold this pose for 10 seconds or more. Go back to your first position and then raise your other hand off the floor.

Bird dogs. Bird dogs may sound easy at first but you might be surprised to find that this exercise is going to be a huge challenge to you. Start this exercise on all fours with your wrists stacked under your shoulders. Keep your back straight. Raise your left hand as you extend your right leg behind you. Hold this pose for a few breaths then release. Raise your right hand and your left leg and hold it for a few seconds. Keep alternating your movements until you complete 12 reps.

Runner’s crunch. Another core exercise that will strengthen your midsection is the runner’s crunch. To do this exercise, you should sit on the floor with your legs extended before you and resting on your heels. Bring your right knee towards your chest as your left arm moves towards your right knee. Alternate with your left knee and right hand as if you are running while sitting down. Keep alternating your legs until you complete 15 reps.

Hip abduction. You should also include this exercise in your list of core workouts because they can train your hip muscles and your sides too. Lie on your side with your inner leg bent with the upper leg extended. Raise the upper leg as high as you can while keeping your core engaged. Go back to your first position and repeat this exercise 10 times. Switch to the opposite side and repeat.